NSCDC, Correctional Centre Officers Named In Illegal Arms Deal

By Ayodele Oni

An arms trafficking network involving personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been unraveled by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group. This followed the arrest of an armourer attached to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a Correctional officer over alleged involvement in an illegal arms supply network in Enugu State.

Security expert, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the arrests followed the interrogation of a suspected criminal apprehended at Igah Community on June 28, who allegedly identified his principal arms supplier as Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, an armourer with the NSCDC Enugu State Command.

Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a targeted operation on June 29 and arrested the suspect at the New Market Filling Station in Enugu.

During preliminary interrogation, the NSCDC officer allegedly identified Chief Superintendent Augustine Mmuo of the NSCDC Delta State Command as his principal supplier of arms.

He also allegedly named Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, attached to the Arms Department of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, as one of his major customers.

Based on the information, troops conducted a follow-up sting operation at about 11:00 a.m. on June 30 and arrested the correctional officer at Okpara Square in Enugu.

Security sources said a search of his vehicle led to the recovery of 30 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition.

During interrogation, the correctional officer allegedly identified a civilian whom he claimed had supplied him with firearms on several occasions.

The sources added that photographs of various firearms allegedly offered for sale were also recovered from the suspect’s mobile phone.

The suspects have been detained in military custody as investigations continue to unravel the alleged arms trafficking network and identify other persons connected to the operation.